Your Guide to Upper Warlingham Journeys

Nestled on the London/Surrey border, just a few miles south of Croydon, lies Upper Warlingham – a location that, despite its proximity to the bustling capital and being well within the M25, feels wonderfully remote and quintessentially English countryside. This guide will provide you with all the essential information on how to reach this serene destination, whether you're planning a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll, or simply a day out exploring its natural beauty. Prepare to swap urban sprawl for tranquil woodlands, open fields, and secluded valleys, a true rural haven protected by the Green Belt, offering a breath of fresh air and stunning bluebell displays in spring.

Navigating Your Way: Transport to Upper Warlingham

Getting to Upper Warlingham is surprisingly straightforward, especially given its seemingly secluded nature. The area is well-connected by public transport, primarily rail, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the city without the hassle of driving. The station itself, rather misleadingly named Upper Warlingham, serves both Whyteleafe and Warlingham, and is a key gateway to the surrounding countryside.

By Train: Your Direct Link to Nature

The most convenient and popular method of reaching Upper Warlingham is by train. Upper Warlingham station is part of the Southern rail network, operating on the Oxted Line. It offers regular services, ensuring a convenient journey from various parts of London:

• From London Victoria: A half-hourly service runs directly to Upper Warlingham, with the journey typically taking around 31 minutes. This is often the preferred route for many visitors, with suggested train times around 09:50 for main walks or 10:20 for shorter options.
• From London Bridge: While Upper Warlingham is not directly served by London Bridge, its sister station, Whyteleafe, which is only 150 metres away in the valley below, offers a half-hourly service from London Bridge, taking approximately 35 minutes. Depending on your starting point in London, this might be a more suitable option.
• Via East Croydon: Both Upper Warlingham and Whyteleafe stations are accessible via East Croydon, a major transport hub. This provides excellent connectivity if you're travelling from other parts of London or the south-east, offering flexibility in your route planning.

It's important to note that both Upper Warlingham and Whyteleafe stations fall within Transport for London (TfL) Zone 6. This means that a standard Travelcard or a London Freedom Pass is sufficient for your journey if you're undertaking the circular walks that return to either of these stations. However, if your plans include the alternative walks that conclude at Woldingham station, be aware that TfL options (including Oyster PAYG) are not valid there. In such cases, you would need to purchase a single ticket from Woldingham back to Upper Warlingham, even if you possess a Travelcard or pass for the outbound journey.

Upper Warlingham station itself is equipped with essential facilities to enhance your travel experience. You'll find cycle storage units and a spacious station car park. The ticket office is staffed until mid-evening on weekdays and mid-afternoon on weekends, offering assistance and ticket purchases. For added convenience, self-service ticket machines with Oyster top-up capabilities are also available. On the platforms, passengers can utilise payphones, toilet facilities, and waiting rooms with seating. Accessibility is considered, with step-free access from the main entrance and car park to Platform 1 for London-bound services. However, please note that Platform 2, for Oxted-bound services, is only accessible via stairs and a footbridge.

By Bus: Local Connections

For those looking for local connections or alternative routes, two useful bus services operate in the Upper Warlingham area:

• London Bus 403: This TfL bus runs frequently (every 12-20 minutes) from the Sainsbury's on Limpsfield Road, passing through Warlingham and Hamsey Green, and connecting to Croydon. This can be useful for reaching parts of the walk or linking up with other transport options.
• Metrobus 409 (Non-TfL): Operating hourly, this service runs from Selsdon via Old Farleigh Road and Chelsham, providing a connection down to the stations in Whyteleafe. This route is particularly useful for reaching the lunch spots mentioned later in this guide.

By Car: Parking Considerations

If you prefer to drive, both Upper Warlingham and Whyteleafe stations offer large car parks. In 2024, the parking costs were approximately £7-8 from Monday to Saturday at Upper Warlingham, with Whyteleafe being slightly cheaper at £4 on Saturdays. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, both car parks offer a more affordable rate of around £2.50. While driving offers flexible access, do consider the environmental impact and the ease of public transport for this area.

Exploring Upper Warlingham: A Walker's Paradise

Once you've arrived, Upper Warlingham truly comes into its own as a starting point for some exceptional walks. Despite its proximity to London, the landscape here is distinctly rural, characterised by ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and secluded valleys that miraculously escaped the post-war expansion of south London's suburbs. Now part of the Green Belt, the area is protected from large-scale development, ensuring its charm and natural beauty endure. The best times to visit are April and May, when the woods are alive with spectacular bluebell displays.

Walk Options: Choose Your Adventure

The area offers a variety of walking routes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. All routes promise a scenic journey through diverse landscapes. OS Maps Explorers 146 & 161 are recommended for navigation, with Upper Warlingham station located at map reference TQ338585.

• Main Walk: This extensive route covers approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) and requires about four hours of walking time. Allowing for trains, sights, and meals, you should allocate at least 7½ hours for the whole excursion. It begins with a climb to the top of Riddlesdown and the adjoining Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area, which since July 2019 has been part of the new South London Downs National Nature Reserve. The path then heads east through Hamsey Green, taking you into King's Wood, renowned for its bluebells. After crossing an isolated valley, the full walk continues with a meandering excursion through Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve, famous for its wood anemones. A tiny 11th-century church and more bluebell woods lead you to a lunch pub on the edge of Great Farleigh Green before a different path takes you back across the valley and through the full length of King's Wood, concluding at Whyteleafe Recreation Ground with a choice of return stations.
• Short Walk: A more condensed version, this walk saves 3½ km by taking a direct route to Farleigh church, omitting the morning loop through Selsdon Wood. It totals 13½ km (8.4 miles) with an estimated walking time of three hours and 10 minutes.
• Alternative Walk (Finishing at Woldingham): For those seeking a different conclusion, this 14¾ km (9.2 miles) route takes about three hours and 30 minutes. It retains the original ending down the side of Halliloo valley to Woldingham station, offering a distinct perspective on the landscape.
• Short Alternative Walk (Omitting Selsdon Wood): This is the shortest option at 11¼ km (7.0 miles), requiring approximately two hours and 40 minutes of walking time. It also omits Selsdon Wood and finishes at Woldingham, making it a good choice for a quicker outing or even an afternoon walk with a tea stop at Farleigh church.

For the particularly keen walker, both the Main and Short Walks can be extended by an additional 3 km (1.8 miles, 40 minutes) with a loop around the Greatpark estate. These Extended Circular Walks incorporate another small nature reserve, Ledgers Wood, offering even more natural beauty to explore. The toughness rating for these walks is generally 4 out of 10, dropping to 3 for the shorter and alternative versions, making them accessible to a wide range of abilities. There are also several points along the routes where you can cut the walk short by catching a bus, providing further flexibility.

Comparative Overview of Walks

To help you choose the perfect route, here's a quick comparison:

Nourishment on Your Journey: Pubs and Picnic Spots

No great walk is complete without the opportunity for a well-deserved break and some sustenance. The Upper Warlingham area offers excellent options for both lunch and mid-walk refreshments, catering to various preferences.

Lunch Pubs: Hearty Fare and Refreshments

• The Harrow (Great Farleigh Green): If you're not doing the Greatpark extension, The Harrow (01883-627565) is the primary lunch pub for the Circular Walks. Located on Great Farleigh Green, it's reached after approximately 11 km on the longest Selsdon Wood route (or 7¼ km on the Short Walk). Part of the Vintage Inns chain, The Harrow is a large and popular pub and restaurant. It boasts a wide range of food options to satisfy any appetite and offers plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh air. Be aware it's situated on a fairly busy road.
• The Bull Inn (Chelsham Common): This pub (01883-627735) is more conveniently placed for both the Extended Circular Walks and the Alternative Walks, appearing at roughly the same distance into the walk as The Harrow. The Bull Inn serves typical pub fare and features a pleasant beer garden overlooking Chelsham Common. For those seeking maximum flexibility, directions are provided in the walk guides for detours to The Harrow from these options, both before and after the Greatpark loop on the Extended Walks.

Picnic and Mid-Walk Refreshments

For those who prefer a more informal dining experience, Farleigh church provides an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Its churchyard offers several benches where you can rest and enjoy your packed meal amidst tranquil surroundings. Additionally, on summer Sundays, the village hall located behind the church may offer mid-walk refreshments, including tea and homemade cakes, providing a delightful stop for a quick pick-me-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Warlingham

To ensure you have all the information you need for a smooth and enjoyable visit, here are answers to some common questions:

Is Upper Warlingham a train station?
Yes, Upper Warlingham is indeed a train station. It serves the areas of Whyteleafe and Warlingham in Surrey and is part of the Southern rail network, operating on the Oxted Line. It offers regular services twice an hour to London Victoria and East Grinstead respectively, with additional peak services to London Bridge when required. It's an essential hub for accessing the surrounding countryside.

What fare zone is Upper Warlingham station in?
Upper Warlingham station is located within Transport for London (TfL) Zone 6. This means that standard TfL travel products like a Travelcard or Oyster PAYG are valid for journeys to and from this station, making it highly accessible for London residents on circular walks.

Can I use my Oyster card or Travelcard to get to Upper Warlingham?
Absolutely, if you are undertaking the circular walks that either start and end at Upper Warlingham or Whyteleafe, your Oyster PAYG or Travelcard will be valid as both stations are in TfL Zone 6. However, please remember that these options are not valid at Woldingham station, so if your walk finishes there, you'll need to purchase a separate single ticket for your return journey from Woldingham.

What's the best way to get to Upper Warlingham from Central London?
The most direct and recommended way from Central London is by train. Services from London Victoria to Upper Warlingham run half-hourly and take about 31 minutes. Alternatively, if London Bridge is more convenient for you, you can take a train to Whyteleafe station, which is very close to Upper Warlingham (just 150 metres away) and also offers half-hourly services.

Are there car parks available at Upper Warlingham station?
Yes, both Upper Warlingham and its nearby sister station, Whyteleafe, have large station car parks available for public use. They operate on a paid basis, with different rates for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays/Bank Holidays (e.g., around £7-8 Mon-Sat, £2.50 Sun & BH in 2024), providing a convenient option for those who prefer to drive to the starting point of their walk.

Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the walking routes?
Yes, there are several excellent options for food and drink. The Harrow on Great Farleigh Green and The Bull Inn on Chelsham Common are popular pubs offering full meals and refreshments, strategically located along various walk routes. For a more casual option, Farleigh churchyard provides benches for picnics, and on summer Sundays, the village hall behind the church may offer tea and cakes, ensuring you're well-fuelled for your adventure.

What makes the walks around Upper Warlingham unique?
The walks around Upper Warlingham are unique due to their blend of accessibility from London with a truly unspoiled rural feel. They traverse areas like Riddlesdown and the South London Downs National Nature Reserve, offering stunning vistas and an abundance of wildlife. The highlight for many is the opportunity to walk through magnificent bluebell woods in April and May, particularly in King's Wood and Selsdon Wood, making for a truly memorable experience.

What are the main features of the walking areas?
The walking areas feature diverse landscapes including open chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands, and secluded valleys. Key features include Riddlesdown, the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area (part of the South London Downs National Nature Reserve), King's Wood (famous for bluebells), Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve (known for wood anemones), and the historic 11th-century church at Farleigh. The area is also part of the protected Green Belt, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits

Upper Warlingham stands as a testament to the fact that you don't have to travel far from the capital to find breathtaking natural beauty and a true sense of escape. With its well-connected transport links, diverse range of walking routes catering to all abilities, and welcoming refreshment stops, it offers a perfect day out or a longer exploration for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn by the promise of vibrant bluebell woods, the challenge of a long hike, or simply the desire for fresh air and stunning scenery, Upper Warlingham is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience. Plan your journey, pack your walking boots, and immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of this hidden gem on London's doorstep.

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